Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32